Efforts to Mitigate Risks Due to Glacial Lake

• 26 Dec 2024

Why in News? 

The Jammu & Kashmir government has intensified efforts to monitor and mitigate the risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in response to the growing threats posed by glacial lake overflows. 

 Key Points 

• Scientific Expeditions for Hazard Preparedness: 
  • The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction has initiated scientific expeditions to enhance preparedness and understanding of GLOF hazards. 
  • These expeditions are collecting valuable data on lake conditions, environmental factors, and potential GLOF risks. 
• Study of Glacial Lakes in Kishtwar District: 
  • The Department of Environmental Sciences at the Central University of Jammu, led a comprehensive study on three critical glacial lakes: Mundiksar, Hangu, and an unnamed lake. 
  • These lakes have been flagged as high-risk areas for GLOFs. 
  • Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a detailed study of Bram Sar Lake in Kulgam district to assess its potential GLOF risks. 
• Kashmir Field Expeditions: 
  • In June 2024, the University of Kashmir’s Department of Geography & Disaster Management studied two additional glacial lakes in the region. 
  • The expeditions aim to formulate risk mitigation strategies and enhance early warning systems based on the data collected. 
  • Phase-Wise Implementation: 
    • Phase One: Focuses on identifying high-risk glacial lakes using assessments from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), and Central Water Commission (CWC). 
    • Phase Two: Develops and implements specific mitigation measures, including lake-lowering techniques. 
  • Early Warning System (EWS): 
    • A fully functional GLOF Early Warning System will be established to enhance preparedness and ensure effective responses to potential GLOF events. 
    • In April 2024, the government constituted the Focused Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Monitoring Committee (FGMC) to implement targeted mitigation measures for glacial lake overflows. 

 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood 

• A GLOF is a type of flood occurring when water dammed by a glacier or a moraine is released suddenly. 
• When glaciers melt, the water in these glacial lakes accumulates behind loose naturally formed 'glacial/moraine dams' made of ice, sand, pebbles and ice residue.  
• Unlike earthen dams, the weak structure of the moraine dam leads to the abrupt failure of the moraine dam on top of the glacial lake, which holds a large volume of water.  
• A catastrophic failure of the dam can release the water over periods of minutes to days causing extreme downstream flooding.